Emerging Topics

Addressing the evolving needs of business using GS1 Standards

Marketplace shifts and industry disruptions create ever-changing needs and opportunities for the business community. See how GS1 US® is working with a variety of industries and organizations as they look forward to address their business challenges using the power of GS1 Standards.

Helping companies do business with the Department of Defense
GS1 Standards help the aerospace and defense community speak a “common language,” address inefficient business processes, and improve supply chain management in order to reduce costs and improve accuracy and security. GS1 US® partners include the U.S. Department of Defense Under the Secretary of Defense’s Office, the Defense Logistics Agencies, NATO, the Air Transport Association, and the International Air Transport Association.

The Department of Defense (DoD) strongly encourages companies wishing to do business with the agency to adopt the following GS1 Standards into their business practices, as appropriate.

Unique Identification (UID) Initiative

The following GS1 identification numbers are recognized by the Department of Defense under the DoD Unique Identification Guideline:

At its basic level, radio frequency identification (RFID) is a carrier of data and, just like the barcode, is based on GS1 Standards. However, unlike the barcode, an RFID tag can carry a much more granular and dynamic level of data. Data carried on an RFID tag can be added to or modified as the tagged item moves. RFID enables companies to more efficiently collaborate with trading partners, reduce errors, and improve inventory management and security.

As a complement to the UID Program, the Department of Defense requires contractors supplying materials to DoD to use passive RFID tags (see acquisition regulation DFARS 252), based on Electronic Product Code (EPC®)-based RFID technology.

Additional Resources

Learn more about GS1 US programs, educational materials, and events to help companies in the aerospace and defense industry implement GS1 Standards:

Beyond visibility, companies need to connect with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) more efficiently, control implementation costs, and improve the quality of their data.

GS1 Standards in Action

For more than 40 years, the GS1 System of global supply chain standards have revolutionized efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in a broad range of industries. The GS1 System of Standards are a “common language” that allows companies and their trading partners to identify items at any point along the supply chain. GS1 Standards provide unique identification of items and products that link items to their applicable information. Think of GS1 Standards as the DNA of an item or product moving through the supply chain.

GS1 US is proud to include more than 300,000 businesses and more than 25 industries as members. Even though each differs in size, industry, and challenges, they all have the same objective: to leverage the GS1 System of Standards to help innovate, operate more efficiently, and build capabilities that drive their business. Benefits of membership include:

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